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Operations Foreperson

Xylem · Morton Grove, IL · Full time

Posted Sep 25, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a training you built and delivered to operators. How did you know it worked?

What they are checking: Whether they check that training changed behavior on the floor, not just that it was given.

Tell me about a time you led a problem-solving effort on a recurring issue.

What they are checking: Whether they get to root cause instead of fixing the same problem every week.

How do you support a shift supervisor without stepping on their authority?

What they are checking: Whether they work as a partner to supervisors, which this individual contributor role requires.

How do you use KPIs for coaching instead of punishment?

What they are checking: Whether they see metrics as a way to help people improve.

What would you do

You have no direct reports. How do you get operators to follow a process?

What they are checking: Whether they can influence through respect and coaching without formal authority.

An experienced operator says the standard process is wrong and does it their own way. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they listen for a real improvement while still holding the process standard.

How would you keep safety part of every process you train?

What they are checking: Whether they build safety into standard work rather than treating it as separate.

About the work

How would you find gaps in a process or in training on a production floor?

What they are checking: Whether they use observation and data to find real gaps, not assumptions.

Walk me through how you would use hour-by-hour boards and downtime data.

What they are checking: Whether they turn hourly tracking into quick action on the causes of lost time.

Why do ERP transactions on the floor need to be accurate, and how do you catch errors?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that bad transactions throw off inventory and planning across the plant.

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The full job description

As published by Xylem.

Xylem is a Fortune 500 global water solutions company dedicated to advancing sustainable impact and empowering the people who make water work every day. As a leading water technology company with 23,000 employees operating in over 150 countries, Xylem is at the forefront of addressing the world's most critical water challenges. We invite passionate individuals to join our team, dedicated to exceeding customer expectations through innovative and sustainable solutions. THE ROLE : The Operations Foreperson will be responsible for identifying process and training gaps, establishing training, executing training, and monitoring process adherence. As an individual contributor in this role, you will support the shift supervisors for process accuracy including ERP transactions, hour by hour and downtime analysis and mitigation. We offer a full benefits package to include Personal Time Off (PTO) for hourly non-exempt positions, health, dental, vision, investment savings plan, and additional miscellaneous benefits. CORE RESPONSIBILITIES: To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. • Implement processes/strategies and develop employee relationships to exceed our customers’ needs • Support established KPIs to track adherence/deviation from established processes for coaching opportunities. • Conduct problem solving using tools such as RCCA, Pareto, 5 Why, etc. • Responsible for maintaining proper process documentation, training signoffs, related documentation • Analyze KPI results to drive daily improvements related to; Safety, Engagement, Quality, Delivery, Productivity, and Inventory • Conducts coaching, skill assessments, time studies and layered audits • Collaborate with cross-functional teams on problem solving including Quality, Production Control, and Safety • Familiar with process creation, documentation of process flows, leveraging a workforce as an individual contributor • Assist shift supervisor with additional needs • Additional duties and responsibilities may be required based on organization needs • Flexible to work overtime during the work week including Saturdays & Sundays QUALIFICATIONS : • Associate’s degree or equivalent experience • Project Management certificate a plus • 3-5 years of relevant experience in manufacturing, logistics, continuous improvement or manufacturing engineering • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to effectively interact with all levels of external and internal customers. • Effective verbal/ written communication and presentation skills • Bilingual a plus At Xylem, we embrace diversity and strive to create avenues where employees feel valued and appreciated through our DE&I initiatives and Employee Resources Groups (ERG). Xylem is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action workplace. Xylem prohibits discrimination, harassment of any kind and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or sexual orientation (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, marital status, medical conditions or disability, genetic information, age, or other non-merit factors. Join the global Xylem team to be a part of innovative technology solutions transforming water usage, conservation, and re-use. Our products impact public utilities, industrial sectors, residential areas, and commercial buildings, with a commitment to providing smart metering, network technologies, and advanced analytics for water, electric, and gas utilities. Partner with us in creating a world where water challenges are met with ingenuity and dedication; where we recognize the power of inclusion and belonging in driving innovation and allowing us to compete more effectively around the world. At Xylem, you'll not only contribute to solving water issues but also have the chance to make a difference through our paid Volunteer Program, Xylem Watermark. We prioritize our employees' well-being through inclusion and belonging as well as our Employee Resource Groups (ERG). Proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (including disability and veterans) and Affirmative Action workplace, Xylem fosters an inclusive environment free from discrimination or harassment. Please note that the information in this job description outlines the general nature of the position and is not an exhaustive list of duties. Xylem is dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations to enable all employees to perform their essential job functions. We reserve the right to modify this job description and assign additional duties as needed. Embrace the opportunity to be part of Xylem's transformative journey in shaping the future of water technology! #XylemCareers #GlobalImpact #WaterInnovation

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